310 Responses to Start the Week 25th March 2024

  1. MarkyMark says:

    As Guido reported a few weeks ago, investigations undertaken by the Standards Commissioner into lockdown partygoers Virginia Crosbie, Eleanor Laing, Bernard Jenkin and Miriam Cates has found that the allegations are not upheld. The report has been released today, just before recess tomorrow…

    Despite finding that the WhatsApp “invitation to the event was accurately quoted by the media“, the Commissioner concluded that this was an socially distanced event with “both business and social elements“, and thus the four have been let off.

    order-order.com

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       5 likes

  2. andyjsnape says:

    BBC to explore how to reform licence fee, director general says
    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-68654318

    Not scrapping, but looking how to reform??

    Plenty of interesting comments on the web page above

       12 likes

    • MarkyMark says:

      “Could save £1.35 million every year that is paid to a single individual Mr Lineker for a start…
      No one needs that much money.”

      “Or Zoe Ball – worst ever breakfast presenter!”

      “I watch BBC News and that is about it. I really don’t think it’s value for money at all.

      You could start with capping the amount you pay your “stars” for a start. If they are worth millions then let them go earn it elsewhere. The BBC should be nurturing new talent for reasonable fees.”

      “Are you trying to suggest they could find any old footballer to front MotD and not pay 1.3m for one person to do it? Crazy talk!”

      “Well, as a pensioner having enjoyed a free license cruelly taken away, I am now forced to have to pay to watch and listen to an extremely woke BBC which dumbs down a little more each day.”

         26 likes

    • taffman says:

      Don’t waste your time.
      Scrap your daily robbery of the British public . Save the poor some well needed cash .

         10 likes

  3. harry142857 says:

    rom the Unindependent

    BBC boss Tim Davie says he is open to a ‘more progressive’ licence fee

    BBC director-general Tim Davie has said he is open to a “more progressive” licence fee and revealed the corporation will launch its “biggest-ever consultation process” next year so the public can drive the debate on its future.

    The licence fee has been frozen for two years at £159 but in 2023 the Government announced it would use a lower rate of inflation to increase the household charge from April to £169.50 a year.

    he freeze and rising inflation has driven the broadcaster to reassess its priorities as it seeks to make £500 million of savings, with Mr Davie announcing on Tuesday that a further £200 million of savings will need to be made.

    There is no doubt that the market has changed hugely since the licence fee was introduced and I think it is right to ask fundamental questions about its longevity in a world that is now (given) so much choice

    Tim Davie, BBC director-general
    Speaking at a Royal Television Society (RTS) event in London to discuss the future direction of the BBC and its role for the UK, Mr Davie said the broadcaster is planning to “proactively research” how it will reform the licence fee post 2028, after the current charter agreement ends in December 2027.
    In a speech, he said: “There is no doubt that the market has changed hugely since the licence fee was introduced and I think it is right to ask fundamental questions about its longevity in a world that is now (given) so much choice…
    “We should not create another commercial walled garden or a narrow BBC that provides a niche service for the most hardcore users. The very wonder of the BBC is that quality news sits next to genres such as drama and sport, thus ensuring widespread engagement. This is a precious ecosystem.”

    He added that the corporation is “not defensive about the future” and believes it “will need reform”.

    Mr Davie said that when researching how the broadcaster could reapproach the licence fee it will be “looking at its scope, how it could be more progressive and making sure its enforcement is fair and proportionate”.

    Alongside engagement with the Government’s review into the licence fee, he said that starting next year the BBC will open up its “biggest ever consultation process so the public can inform and drive the debate on the future of BBC”.

    “Our aim is to make contact and get feedback from hundreds of thousands of people and we do so with an open mind”, he added.

    Later answering questions on the future of the licence fee, Mr Davie underlined that he feels it “needs reform” but regards it as “precious”.

    The BBC boss noted that those over age 74 who receive Pension Credit are entitled to apply for a free licence and said he is open to considering who else could receive concessions.

    He added: “That doesn’t necessarily imply means testing, there could be a number of ways you could make it progressive.

    “I just think the idea we’re just sitting where we’re at is the wrong one.”

    However, he confirmed he believes a licence fee should be still in place in some capacity as he feels it is important that everyone has a “stake” in it.

    “We are curiously really accountable to the British public for that value. And I think that connection is really important and it keeps BBC on its toes in a way which I think is really helpful”, he added.

    ————————————————————————–

    …… and FINALLY The BBC boss also discussed how the corporation’s focus for the future lies within three areas – PURSUING TRUTH WITH NO AGENDA, BACK BRITISH STORY-TELLING AND BRINGING PEOPLE TOGETHER.

       6 likes

    • MarkyMark says:

      Ginger Johnson: From panto-obsessed child to RuPaul’s Drag Race UK winner
      Exclusively for BBC Three, the RuPaul’s Drag Race UK winner opens up about her journey from panto-obsessed child to the UK’s Next Drag Superstar.

      https://www.bbc.co.uk/bbcthree/article/f60730b8-854e-4779-bca1-39a94c825e2e

      . . . . . .

      BBC News online
      16 March 2024

      In an article about the Liberal Democrats’ spring conference we wrongly described the political party Reform UK as far-right when referring to polling. This sentence was subsequently removed from the article as it fell short of our usual editorial standards. While the original wording was based on news agency copy, we take full responsibility and apologise for the error.

      18/03/2024

      https://www.bbc.co.uk/helpandfeedback/corrections_clarifications

         5 likes

  4. MarkyMark says:

    Sunak is appearing before the Liaison Committee this afternoon. Asked why the government isn’t funding struggling departments enough, he pointed out that public sector productivity is still 5% lower than it was before the pandemic. Meanwhile, the productive private sector has bounced back above its pre-pandemic level…
    order-order.com

    . . . . . . .

    NHS to benefit from £13.4 billion debt write-off
    Health Secretary announces over £13 billion of debt will be written off as part of a major financial reset for NHS providers.
    https://www.gov.uk/government/news/nhs-to-benefit-from-13-4-billion-debt-write-off

       7 likes

  5. MarkyMark says:

    Windsor Castle opens its doors to Muslims observing Ramadan as they gather in the grounds to break their fast for the first time in history
    The event took place at the royal residence in Berkshire on Sunday
    READ MORE: Dutch royals get The Crown treatment! As new shots from Maxima are revealed – how do the on screen royals measure up to their real-life counterparts?

    ‘Break fast with us this Ramadan at Windsor Castle. Open to people of all faiths and none, join us for a visit to the majestic State Apartments, followed by a meal after sunset in the castle grounds,’ the website read.

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       8 likes

  6. Thoughtful says:

       7 likes

    • taffman says:

      Thoughtful
      Its pretty obvious now, we are in need of a government that will protect the people of Great Britain.
      Change the government!

         16 likes

      • Thoughtful says:

        I wonder just how much this Marxist government is controlling anything, it would appear they are allowing the civil service to do what ever mischief they please and simply going along with it.

        I keep thinking back to 14 years of Tory government and wondering what they could sell as the highlights come election time and I really am struggling.

        Aside from greater oppression, loss of freedoms, and even more wokery there’s not a lot anyone could say was good. Even Brexit which was a golden opportunity squandered.

        I’d love to have some input from others on what the Tories might claim to be a positive to sell to Tory voters come the election, I’m sure I might have missed something.

           8 likes

        • Zephir says:

          Come on Thoughtful, must try harder, look:

             7 likes

        • Scroblene says:

          Bit like Oxford County Council then, Thoughtful!

          More to come from another commie bunch in November!

          I could have gone to Oxford, but I never had the Latin…

             4 likes

  7. MarkyMark says:

    Last night’s 1922 committee meeting with backbenchers and Lord Cameron didn’t appease the China hawks the way it intended. Much of the meeting was consumed by anger over the government still labelling China as a mere “challenge“. Not least Sir Iain Duncan Smith saying the position was like “an elephant giving birth to a mouse”…

    It seems fury from the backbenches has hit home. This morning on Times Radio Education Secretary Gillian Keegan conceded that China was indeed a “security threat“. Perhaps because of latest revelations exposed by an unprecedented joint operation by Washington and London that there’s been a decade-long campaign of Chinese espionage…

    Now it looks like Deputy Prime Minister Dowden will declare China as threat, telling MPs “we are currently in the process of collective Government agreement”. What will Lord Cameron say?

    order-order.com

    . . . .. ..

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       5 likes

  8. atlas_shrugged says:

    UK courts delay again the extradition decision of Assange in a case that should never have been brought against Assange.

    Maybe Trump might like to revise his view of lawfare in light of his own experience.

       7 likes

  9. MarkyMark says:

    “How much was spent on Covid-19 measures? The Covid-19 pandemic resulted in very high levels of public spending. Current estimates of the total cost of government Covid-19 measures range from about £310 billion to £410 billion. This is the equivalent of about £4,600 to £6,100 per person in the UK.12 Sept 2023”

       4 likes

  10. MarkyMark says:

    “SUNAK DOES NOT DENY MEMBERSHIP OF DEEP STATE”

    Some say the stairs at the back of the Garrick Club go to the Legion of Doom’s headquarters. It’s a non-denial from Sunak…
    https://order-order.com/2024/03/26/sunak-does-not-deny-membership-of-deep-state/

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       5 likes

  11. Fedup2 says:

    BBC 6pm news – I thought I’d find out about Ukraine or Gaza – instead I got 8 minutes on a boat hitting a bridge in a foreign country – BBC calling a public inquiry and all bridges to be removed – it will prevent global warming and save the NHS billions ….. off switch …

       18 likes

    • tomo says:

      Trump did it

         13 likes

    • StewGreen says:

      You missed the long end item “oh look North Korea has blurred Alan Titchmarsh’s jeans, cos such decadent western clothing is banned there”

      BBCnews = PR propaganda, and their habit of doing long items about themselves is part of that.

         9 likes

  12. StewGreen says:

    When someone offered ITV local news the chance to report on the Rotherham Ramadan Midnight Football league .. what do you think they did ?

    Yep long, glowing item that took care to have a white speaker, black speaker and shout “diversity is great”

    Reporter “With Ramadan Muslims have difficulty in finding a slot to play football”

    Really ? It’ll dark here before 7 , so I could eat, play a game of six aside and be in bed by 10

    I lived in a couple of Muslim countries.. I never noticed midnight football.
    I used to use an internet cafe run by fundamentalists, so the opening hours did got haywire during Ramadan.

       11 likes

  13. StewGreen says:

    BBC local news “oooh look this ballroom dancing champion couple are two girls”

    … fawning item, there didn’t appear to be any lesbian context.

       6 likes

  14. tomo says:

    Not News – UK Border Force are utter scum

       5 likes

  15. Scroblene says:

    So much waffle and wibble-speak, so why chuck this item on ‘entertainment and arts’

    It’s neither!

    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-68654318

       2 likes

  16. Fedup2 says:

    Apparently 2 government ministers resigned / fired today . Anyone care ? The sooner this dumb regime goes the better – the red labour lot will be far more entertaining …

       11 likes

  17. Guest Who says:

    https://x.com/ggreenwald/status/1772635980027113867?s=61
    “Misinformation expert” is a fake credential. It was invented after 2016 to disguise political censorship as an act of neutral science.
    The idea that people like this can be floating arbiters of truth and falsity – and their decrees should be binding — is a laughable fraud

    That might spoil Timmeh’s little outing. His sole contribution seems to be Verify trying to do hit pieces on Musk, Trump, Adams, etc.

       6 likes

  18. Fedup2 says:

    For the record – below is a piece from the DT about the BBC DG wasting hot air discussing future funding of the BBC monster –

    STARTS The Conservatives have made clear that wealthier Britons will not be made to pay a higher BBC licence fee after Tim Davie, the corporation’s director general, floated the idea.

    Mr Davie said the corporation was also looking at licence fee non-payment and whether criminalisation is the best option to enforce compliance.

    “There is no doubt that the market has changed hugely since the licence fee was introduced, and I think it is right to ask fundamental questions about its longevity,” the director-general told the Royal Television Society.

    “Given the changes in technology and audience behaviour, we will proactively research how we reform the licence fee post-2028, looking at its definition, whether it can and should be made more progressive, and ensuring that its enforcement is fair and proportionate. The licence fee needs reform, in my view.”

    But a Tory source responded: “Charging better off households more for receiving the same service as audience shares and trust fall is not something a Conservative government could countenance.”

    The licence fee currently stands at £159. Asked whether linking it to income would require means-testing, Mr Davie said that was not necessarily the case and “there could be a number of ways of making it progressive”.

    The Government is ultimately responsible for setting the level of the licence fee. It will be in place until 2027-28 and the end of the current BBC charter. On April 1 it will rise by £10.50 to £169.50, the first increase since 2021.

    Currently, every household pays the same, although there are some concessions including free licences for over-75s on Pension Credit.

    Mr Davie’s speech comes after the Government announced in December that it would be reviewing the future of the licence fee and exploring alternative options.

    Lucy Frazer, the Culture Secretary, said the Government would seek to reform the “increasingly anachronistic” funding model.

    Mr Davie said that expecting the current licence fee arrangement to continue into the next decade was no longer an option, adding: “I do think the idea of just sitting where we’re at is the wrong one.”

    He described the licence fee as “precious” and did not discuss alternatives, saying the BBC must remain a universal service.

    The BBC will launch a public consultation on the issue next year. Mr Davie said: “Our most important relationship will be with the public, who own us and pay for us.

    “We will aim to reach and get feedback from up to one million members of the public, beginning next year, so their views are at the heart of the debate about the future BBC.”

    In his speech, Mr Davie said that the corporation would also look at ways of boosting commercial income, forging more partnerships in the style of its deal with Disney over Doctor Who and finding new ways of monetising its archive.

    The BBC is also introducing adverts on some of its podcasts, but Mr Davie assured viewers that there would be no commercial advertising on its television channels, saying: “Kellogg’s will not be advertising on BBC One.”

    He added that any changes would continue “a journey of reform that goes back to when the BBC was first funded by a royalty on wireless-receiving sets”.

    A report by the House of Lords communications and digital committee, published in 2022, said that the BBC faced “stagnation and decline” unless it explored alternatives to the licence fee.

    The report suggested a household levy, in which every home pays towards the corporation regardless of whether they use it or not, but at a lower cost than the current £159; or a part-subscription model, which could make news provision free but place drama and entertainment behind a paywall.

    Lord Grade, the head of Ofcom, recently criticised the regressive nature of the licence fee, saying it was unfair that someone like him should pay the same as a single mother living with her children in a rented room.

    Greg Dyke, the former BBC director-general, has also backed a progressive licence fee, saying that the wealthy should pay more but those on benefits should get free licences.

    “There are a lot of people like me who can easily afford to pay,” he said.

    In addition to the funding mechanism, the corporation will also look at the scope of what the fee covers. At the moment, a licence fee is required for consumption of any live television and use of iPlayer.ENDS

    And as I write Belgium lead Woke Rovers( previously England ) by 1 -nil – come on Belgium …

       6 likes

  19. tomo says:

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